CSB vs. AFSC

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

CSB (VictoryShares US Small Cap High Dividend Volatility Wtd ETF) and AFSC (abrdn Focused U.S. Small Cap Active ETF) are both Small Cap Blend Equities funds. CSB is passively managed, while AFSC is actively managed. Over the past year, CSB returned 17.95% vs 28.96% for AFSC. A 0.79 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. CSB charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.65%/yr for AFSC.

Performance

CSB vs. AFSC - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in VictoryShares US Small Cap High Dividend Volatility Wtd ETF (CSB) and abrdn Focused U.S. Small Cap Active ETF (AFSC). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, CSB achieves a 8.30% return, which is significantly lower than AFSC's 17.39% return.

CSB

• 1D: -1.09%
• 1M: -1.58%
• YTD: 8.30%
• 6M: 7.74%
• 1Y: 17.95%
• 3Y*: 11.48%
• 5Y*: 3.65%
• 10Y*: 9.58%

AFSC

• 1D: 0.86%
• 1M: 1.65%
• YTD: 17.39%
• 6M: 15.69%
• 1Y: 28.96%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

CSB vs. AFSC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
CSB VictoryShares US Small Cap High Dividend Volatility Wtd ETF	8.30%	-0.93%
AFSC abrdn Focused U.S. Small Cap Active ETF	17.39%	2.67%

Correlation

The correlation between CSB and AFSC is 0.75, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.75
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 19, 2025	0.79

The correlation between CSB and AFSC has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.75 to 0.79 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

CSB vs. AFSC — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

CSB

CSB Risk / Return Rank: 40
CSB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 35
CSB Sortino Ratio Rank: 36
CSB Omega Ratio Rank: 33
CSB Calmar Ratio Rank: 51
CSB Martin Ratio Rank: 44

AFSC

AFSC Risk / Return Rank: 48
AFSC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 44
AFSC Sortino Ratio Rank: 44
AFSC Omega Ratio Rank: 40
AFSC Calmar Ratio Rank: 55
AFSC Martin Ratio Rank: 58

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

CSB vs. AFSC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for VictoryShares US Small Cap High Dividend Volatility Wtd ETF (CSB) and abrdn Focused U.S. Small Cap Active ETF (AFSC). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

	CSB	AFSC	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	1.25	1.57	-0.32
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	1.92	2.24	-0.32
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.22	1.26	-0.04
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.51	2.76	-0.25
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	7.26	10.46	-3.21
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

CSB vs. AFSC - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current CSB Sharpe Ratio is 1.25, which is comparable to the AFSC Sharpe Ratio of 1.57. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of CSB and AFSC, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	CSB	AFSC	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.25	1.57	-0.32
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.20	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.45	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.45	0.70	-0.25

Drawdowns

CSB vs. AFSC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum CSB drawdown since its inception was -42.07%, which is greater than AFSC's maximum drawdown of -21.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for CSB and AFSC.

Drawdown Indicators

	CSB	AFSC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-42.07%	-21.68%	-20.39%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.18%	-10.29%	+3.11%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-21.82%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-24.49%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-42.07%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.12%	-1.10%	-2.02%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.14%	-4.16%	-2.98%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.48%	2.72%	-0.24%

Volatility

CSB vs. AFSC - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for VictoryShares US Small Cap High Dividend Volatility Wtd ETF (CSB) is 3.59%, while abrdn Focused U.S. Small Cap Active ETF (AFSC) has a volatility of 5.55%. This indicates that CSB experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than AFSC based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	CSB	AFSC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.59%	5.55%	-1.96%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.19%	13.99%	-4.80%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.54%	18.58%	-4.04%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.78%	22.60%	-3.82%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.31%	22.60%	-1.29%

CSB vs. AFSC - Expense Ratio Comparison

CSB has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is lower than AFSC's 0.65% expense ratio.

Dividends

CSB vs. AFSC - Dividend Comparison

CSB's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.26%, more than AFSC's 0.07% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
AFSC abrdn Focused U.S. Small Cap Active ETF	0.07%	0.08%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
CSB VictoryShares US Small Cap High Dividend Volatility Wtd ETF	3.26%	3.54%	3.12%	3.45%	3.60%	3.11%	3.70%	3.19%	3.45%	3.19%	2.85%	1.57%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both CSB and AFSC in my portfolio?

CSB and AFSC have a correlation of 0.75, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, CSB or AFSC?

AFSC has higher volatility (5.55%) compared to CSB (3.59%). In terms of maximum drawdown, CSB dropped -42.07% vs AFSC's -21.68%.

Which ETF is better, CSB or AFSC?

On 1-year performance, AFSC leads with 28.96% vs 17.95% for CSB. On fees, CSB is cheaper at 0.35% per year. On volatility, CSB has been the lower-risk option at 3.59%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, CSB or AFSC?

Over the 1-year period, AFSC has performed better with a 28.96% return vs 17.95%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, CSB or AFSC?

CSB is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 0.65% for AFSC.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, CSB or AFSC?

CSB has the higher dividend yield at 3.26%, compared with 0.07% for AFSC.

What is the main difference between CSB and AFSC?

They also come from different issuers: Crestview and Aberdeen. Their fees differ too: 0.35% for CSB and 0.65% for AFSC.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

AFSC currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.57 vs 1.25), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.